Telegraph, signaling, and like selective system and apparatus



2.; 25 193. v. SIMS 2,167,532

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 29, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet l V. SIMS Juiy 25, 1939.

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 m M V M q. i p.

Flled Jan 29 1936 J 25, 3339. v gyms 2,167,32

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 29, 1936 s sheds-sheet s .1 25, 1939. v. SIMS 2,167,532

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS I Filed Jan. 29, 1936 8 Sheets Sheet 4 Fig. 6. 1% 6F ATTOR/Vf) July 25, 1939. v. SIMS 2,167,532

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 29, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 25, 1939. v. sms 2,167,532

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jan. 29, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 200 .Flg, 3 15 A 40 229 223 is: k

232 21] 233 l lc7 or SIM? v. sms 2,167,532

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS July 25, 1939.

8 sheets-sheet 7 Filed Jan. 29, 1936 2 J E r W0 .f. c

July 25, 1939. v. SIMS 2, 7

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELECTIVE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Jar 29, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet B 285 331 343 34 2 8sFZg 17. 82 8 F 340 0 i 75 0 o o I l 33 33 3 f7 3o 31 7373 31 33 326 332" i321? 335 I :24 1 3.2: 2 335 W Fig 18.

We for 510 18 atenied July 25, E

TELEGRAPH, SIGNALING, AND LIKE SELEC- TKVE SYSTEM PARATUS Victor Sims, Hendon, England;

administratrix of the estate of said Sims, deceased, assignor to Greed and Company, Limited, Croydon, Surrey, England Application January 29, 1936, Serial No. 61,323 In Great Britain January 29, 1935 18 Claims.

This invention relates to telegraph, signaling, and like selective systems in which operations are selected according to signal combinations having sequential signal elements. The examples de- 5 scribed in this specification of the improvements according to the invention refer more particularly to printing telegraph systems and apparatus operating on the so-called start-stop principle. These examples are mainly of signal transmitting 10 apparatus, but certain aspects of the invention include signal receiving apparatus working in conjunction, both at the transmitting end of a communications circuit and at the distant receiving end. The scope of the invention is not 15 necessarily limited to the examples shown.

5 the signaling station, and automatic case shift Inthe development of start-stop printing telegraph systems, signal transmitters have been designed to efiect auxiliary functions for the permutation elements in signal combinations, in addition to the main functions of transmitting in sequence the elements of each end signal combination. These auxiliary functions include, for instance those of signaling prearranged service signal combinations, return signals identifying 35 sisting of groups of sequential signal elements,

a main rotatable member, signaling contact means operable by said main rotatable member,

an auxiliary rotatable member, and means operable sequentially by said auxiliary rotatable member in timed and sequential relationship with the operations of said signaling contact means by said main rotatable member.

According to another aspect the invention comprises in a telegraph, si ling. or like selective 5 system, a signal transmit ing distributor having a series of elemental portions, a plurality of corresponding series of control elements, and means associating at least one of said series of control elements with said elemental portions in timed and sequential relationship with the operation of said distributor.

According to yet another aspect the invention Y from the following description and the accompanying drawings. In these drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the essential portions of a combined keyboard and tape controlling mechanism for a signal transmitter, according to a main aspect of the invention.

of so-called metal storage, to which the invention is applicable.

Fig. 4 illustrates the application of a main aspect of the invention to a cryptographic signaling system with electrical type distributors.

Fig. 5 illustrates theapplication of this aspect of the invention to a pre-set automatic signaling system also with electrical type distributors.

Figs. 6 and 7 are front and side elevations respectively of an improved signal transmitting mechanism according to another aspect of the invention, as adapted for keyboard control.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of a development of the mechanism shown in the two preceding figures.

Fig. 9 illustrates diagrammatically an alternative to certalnfeatures of these two improved signaling mechanisms.

Figs. 10 and 11 are plan and elevation respectively of the same mechanism shown in Fig. 8, but with additional means and modifications to effect control of the signaling mechanism a1- ternatively by a perforated tape.

Fig. 12 is another view of a. detail in Fig. 11.

Figs. 13 and 14 are front and side elevations respectively of an attachment to the mechanism shown in Fig. 8, to transmit a single group of signal combinations when required, in a manner developed according to the invention.

Fig. 15 is a front elevation of an alternative form of automatic signaling device for a. similar purpose to that of the precedingexample, and particularly applicable to the mechanism shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

Fig. 16 is another view of a cam drum shown in the preceding figure.

Figs. 17 and 18 are two elevations which may according to the present invention.

Fig. 19 is another view of a detail in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 illustrates a modification to certain parts in Figs. 10 and 11, to enable the cryptographic apparatus of Figs. 17 and 18 to work in conjunction therewith.

Fig. 21 illustrates diagrammatically a control 'mechanism suitable for the cryptographic apparatus of the systemdescribed.

In Fig. 1 a series of independent members IA plvotedat IB are held by spring tension against an actuating cam means IC. A corresponding series of controlling members ID are selectively 'movable through code notches thereon by keylevers IE. The actuating cam means IC has a series of indentations helically arranged thereon adapted to release each of the series of independent members in sequence, the movement of each member IA being intercepted or not according to the longitudinal position of its corresponding controlling member ID. The actuating cam means IC is rotated for one revolution by suitable means, not shown, at each depression of a keylever IE, and the members IA control or effect the movement of signaling contact mechanism, all in the already well known manner. Rotatably mounted above this apparatus and meshing with a pinion IF attached to the cam means IC is a light gear wheel IG fixed'to a tape feed spindle and spur wheel adapted to feed a crossperforated tape IH'a distance equal to the longitudinal spacing of the signal combinations on the tape, during each revolution of the cam means I C. A series of feelers IJ each co-operating with a corresponding portion of the tape are pivoted on the series of members IA and the free ends of the feelers are adapted to rise in sequence as the members IA are released by the cam means IC to be intercepted or not by corresponding portions of the tape according to the positions of the code perforations therein. If the actuating cam means IC is arranged to rotate continuously during tape controlled transmission, and the series of controlling members ID of the keyboard are moved out of operative relation with the series of members IA, the tape controlled mechanism above described operates in a manner also already known when arranged as a separate apparatus.

It is believed that this combination of keyboard controlled signal transmitting apparatus and tape controlled apparatus operating in the manner above described, is at present broadly novel. The principles involved, however, are

seen to be of possibly greater importance in the application to the types of systems and apparatus previously referred to.'

In Fig. 2 an auxiliary signaling cam drum 2H suitable for a limited number of prescribed signal combinations is shown in combination with a keyboard controlled signal transmitter similar to that above described. The drum 2H bears cam indentations or perforations positioned to permit or intercept selectively the motion of the series of members 2A when released in cyclic order by the cam actuating means 20. The two cam means 20 and 2H are shown driven through individual worm wheels from a common shaft, and the gear ratios are arranged to suit the required number and spacing of the auxiliary cam perforations on the drum 21!. Means to secure the proper timed relation of drum 2H with the cam means 20 when the auxiliary signaling means is required, and other details, are discussed later in this specification. It is important to note, however, that the cam drum 21-! forms a control mechanism serially operable in timed relation with the signal contact actuating mechanism. The actual timing of the transmitted signal elements is effected by the latter mentioned mechanism, the control mechanism merely determines the character of the signalelements.

Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically an instance in which the main and auxiliary cam means are required to effect the movement of their respective members in either direction as determined. Each of the series of members actuated by the main cam means 3C is duplicated to form a pair of levers 3A pivoted at their lower ends on an individual three-armed member 3K which is in turn pivoted on 3L. Each portion of main cam 30 co-operates with a pair of levers 3A and carries two diametrically opposed projections which during each half-revolution of the cam-shaft simultaneously actuate the two levers 3A in an outward direction. According to the position of each control member 3D. one or the other of the two levers 3A is brought into position to actuate the signal contact mechanism when the levers are moved by the cam 30. This form of mechanical movement in signaling apparatus is already known, but Fig. 3 shows an example of the invention applied to apparatus employing positive forms of cam movement. The auxiliary cam means 3H actuates the control members 313 through pairs of levers pivoted on fixed pivots 3M, the cam projections or the lengths of the respective levers being arranged according to the required signal combinations. Each control member 3D is shown in two portions which are relatively movable against spring tension. The auxiliary cam 3H positively operates the levers 3A to the required positions through one portion of the control member whilst the other portion may be locked in its preselected position by suitable locking means, indicated in the figure by latches 3N. Similarly to the previous examples the pairs of levers are actuated by cam 3H in timed relation with the actuation of levers 3A by cam 30. This example having positive cam movement illustrates a case where considerable advantages are obtainable by distributing the periods of actuation of the auxiliary signal control mechanism over a substantial portion of the period corresponding to a signal combination.

In the cryptographic apparatus shown in Fig.

4, each of the series of control members 4D actuates an electrical reversing switch 4?. The corresponding series of members effecting the transmission of the signal elements is shown at 4A, as a series of pairs of contact springs, and the actuating cam means therefor at 40. Between each reversing switch 4? actuated by a control member 4D, and the corresponding member 4A is a further reversing switch 4R. Each switch 4R reverses the character of the potential applied to its corresponding contact spring IA already selected by the setting of the associated switches 4P. Each of the switches 4R is actuated by a cam 48 individual thereto and these cams difler from each other and are interchangeable in the general manner already known, to effect arty desired cycle of changes in the transmitted signals. A corresponding converse series of operations is arranged to be effected at the receiving apparatus for selecting a required character. In the example shown in Fig. 4 each cam 48 for a reversing switch 4R is moved in cyclic order by auxiliary cam means 4H. As in the other examples so far described, the controlling operation or operations for each element of the signal is efiected by cams IH before thetransmission of that element by cam means 4C, and is changed in arouse v preparation for the corresponding element in the the sleeve under the tension of light springs I00.

{-next signal combination in the time interval beelements of successive sig tween these speciii Inal combinations.

Fig. illustrates a known type of pre-set sigf'aling apparatus to which the modifications according to the invention are applied. In this case an electrical type distributor is shown with a rotatable brush 5C, a series of segments 5A each connected to a corresponding auxiliary brush 5.] on a. shaft 5H common to all the brushes 5J. Each of these auxiliary brushes sweeps an individual series of contacts to each of which contacts. a potential is connected in accordance transmitted. The shaft 5H moves all of the brushes 5J on to successive contacts in their respective serles for each successive signal combinations as transmitted by brush 50. According to the present invention the shaft 5H may be arranged to move continuously for the required 'distance during the rotation of brush 5C, or according to any of the alternative methods herein suggested. The figure shows each of the brushes 5J slightly staggered or retarded with respect to the preceding brush in the series. Each brush is adapted thereby to rest fairly in the centre of the contact to which the selected potential is con: nected for that signal element when brush 5C is sweeping that particular segment 5A. During the period in which the other signal elements are being dealt with in a similar manner the brush 5J just considered is moved into position on the next contact in preparation for the corresponding element in the next signal combination.

Figs. 6 and 7 show an improved keyboard controlled signalling mechanism illustrating another aspect of the invention. In this example the main cam means periodically locks and unlocks the signaling contacts for each successive element in a signal combination. The auxiliary cam means actuates selecting means in timed and sequential relationship with the successive operations of the main cam means to move the signaling contacts selectively at the unlocked periods. Both main and auxiliary cam means are adapted to effect their respective series of operations in successive half-revolutions of rotation. The various cams are therefore in duplicate at diametrically opposite points on their respective cam sleeves. The clutch mechanisms for these cam means may be of any suitable form for this purpose and will be referred to again later. Each of a series of controlling or permutation bars 6D is operable in a longitudinal direction as before to one or the other of two positions on depression of a keylever BE. A universal bar A (not shown) is also actuated invariably in one longitudinal directionagainst tension of a spring on depression of any signal keylever, to release a clutch controlling a cam sleeve 60. The auxiliary cam means comprises a series of pairs of cam projections IOI equal in number to the variable permutation elements of a signal combination, each pair of projections co-acting simultaneously with a corresponding pair of levers I02 disposed in substantially parallel positions on either side of the cam sleeve. The pairs of cam projections IOI are arranged in cyclic order around the cam sleeve to operate their corresponding pairs of levers I02 in successiveorder during each halfrevolution of the cam sleeve. The two series of levers I02 are pivoted independently on two corresponding rods I03 and I04 with their upper ends bearing on their respective cam tracks on "with the character of the signal element to be 1 angular positions.

The lower'- ends of the pairs of levers I02 carry inwardly directed actuating fingers I06 pivoted thereon and the free ends of these fingers I06 can be rocked alternately into and out of positionopposite a single bar I01 extending between all of the pairs of fingers I06. Each permutationbar 6D controls the position of its associated pair of fingers through a corresponding pair of oppositely acting bell-crank levers I08, I 00, pivoted on rods I03, I04. respectively, but movable thereon independently of the cam actuated levers I02.

The vertical arm of each pair of bell-crank levers I 08, I09 is connected through link I I0 to the corresponding permutation bar6D, and each of the inwardly directed arms of these bell-crank levers carries a vertical link III having spring retained pivoting points with the corresponding finger I06. This forms a freely movable parallel link :so that when the cam sleeve is in the arrested position with each of the pairs of levers I02 unactuated by their respective cam projections I0I cession for each permutation element in a. signalcombination' during a half revolution of the cam sleeve 6C. Two further cam projections H2, H3,

are also arranged on the cam sleeve 60 to actuate two further levers I I0, I I5 for the start and stop elements of each signal combination. For this purpose the upper ends of the two further levers are provided with two inwardly directed fixed extensions respectively instead of the pivoting finers I06. The cam actuated ends of the two further levers II 0, H5, are shorter than the cam actuated ends of the, other levers I02, to bear on the cam track of projections II2, I I3 at diiferent levers serves as the start element lever and is actuated by one cam projection I I2 or I I3 for the commencement of each signal combination during one half revolution of the cam sleeve 6C and the other or stop lever being actuated by the same projection after the successive actuation of the pairs of levers I02. The other projection H2 or II3 eifects a similar actuation of the start and stop levers H4, II 5 during the next half revolution for the succeeding signal combination. The cam actuated levers I02, H4, H5 are shown of a form adapted to be stifiiy resilient to avoid the possibility of adjacent levers looking through the single bar I0'I if insufiicient initial clearances have been provided.

The single actuating bar I0'I is fixed to a rockshaft II6 by which it swings and this motion is employed in this example to oscillate the signaling contact means although according to 'the invention a further control is effected by the main cam means as 'will later be described. A stiif spring blade I" is clamped at one end by a clamping piece IIB to the rock-shaft II6 and at the other end carries contact faces II9 alternately contacting with contact stops I20, I2I respectively. The free end of the spring blade II! is formed as a V or knife edge which is engaged by a corresponding V or knife edge I22 on the free end of a horizontal locking spring blade I23. The fixed end of the locking blade I23 is carried by an adjusting piece I24 which may be unclamped and rotated to adjust the spring tension One of these two further tending to open the knife edges from engagement. The knife edge I22 on the horizontal locking blade I23 is shown as a separate spring piece I26 riveted to the blade. The contact blade H1 and the spring piece I26 may be electrically insulated from clamping piece H3 and locking blade I23 respectively. The horizontal locking blade I23 has a bearing portion riding on a notched cam I26 on the cam sleeve which constitutes the main cam means previously mentioned. This notched cam, like the auxiliary cam means effects a series of operations for each signal combination in each successive half revolution. Each half circumference of the cam therefore comprises a series of equal segmental portions separated by steep sided notches which successively actuate the locking blade I23 during rotation of the cam to lock and unlock the contact blade 1 through the knife edges. The spring piece I25 on the locking blade I23 prevents damage to the knife edges or other parts if these knife edges meet in a central position. a

For the purpose of comprehending the scope and nature of the present invention it may have been helpful to regard the main and auxiliary cam means in the example as so far described, as on separate but co-acting rotatable members as in the preceding examples. In certain circum-- stances such as some of those later described in the present specification where further auxiliary functions are effected in conjunction with the signal transmitting mechanism, the'arrangement of two separate cam sleeves may be desirable. In

Order to simplify the description of these various examples, and to exemplify another aspect of the invention, the two cam means in the present example are now described and referred to as fixed in thecorrect phase relationship on a single cam sleeve controlled by a half revolution clutch from the universal bar of the keyboard in any convenient known manner. The details of all clutch mechanisms are therefore omitted, with advantage, from Figs. 6 and 7. Methods of driving and co-ordinating two separate cam means will be readily comprehended from examples later described herein. The correct phase relationship of the two cam means, represented by the angular'position of notched cam I26 relatively to the series of cam projections IOI, H2, and H3, on the single cam sleeve will be seen from the following outline of the mode of operation of the present example. During the time period in which the contact blade H1 is locked by the notched cam I26 as previously described, the cam means projections IOI, H2 and II 3 are adapted by the setting of notched cam I26 on the cam sleeve relatively to these series of cam projections IOI, H2, and H3 to change over the actuation of bar I01 by one or the other of a pair of fingers I06 to one or the other finger of the succeeding pair of levers I02. The change over from or to the actuation by the start and stop levers H4, H5 is similarly effected during the period in which the contact blade I I 1 is locked by the knife edges. The contact blade is strained by rockshaft H6 in one or the other direction while the contact making tip is locked in its previously selected position. At successive time periods corresponding to the Junction of successive signal elements as transmitted, when bar I01 and rockshaft II6 are firmly held in one or the other position, the contact blade is unlocked by the notches in cam I26. If bar I01 has been reactuated to the same position as for a preceding signal element the contact tip is unmoved during this unlocking period. 'If the bar I01 has been actuated to the opposite position the contact making tip does not immediately leave its contact stop I20 or I2I but is strained in the opposite direction until the next notch in the cam I26 unlocks the knife edges when the contact tip of blade II1 rapidly snaps over to the opposite stop.

Fig. 8 shows a further improved keyboard controlled signal transmitting on the broad lines above described, Fig. shows a similar view of the essential parts of the same signal transmitting mechanismtogether with additional tape control means and means to put either the keyboard or the tape control means into operative relation with the signaling contact mechanism. Fig. 9 shows substantially a plan on section line AB of Fig. 10 and consequently of those parts common to both Figs. 8 and 10. Fig. 10 may also be considered to represent a development of the main features described with reference to Figs. 1, 6 and 7. As will hereinafter be seen by removing certain parts shown in Fig. 10 the essential parts of an improved tape controlled signal transmitter remain. These may be mounted for use as a separate apparatus. It will then further be seen that a tape controlled signal transmitter of a type known prior to the date of the present invention when modified and readapted by the successive improvements herein outlined permits a return by a circuitous route of development to a feature of a still earlier form of tape controlled transmitter. A similar effect will also be observed in conjunction with other developments according to the invention later.

Referring first to Fig. 8 permutation bars I3I operable longitudinally to one or the other of two positions on depression of any keylever I32 carry abutment plates I33 fixed to extensions of the permutation bars I3I. Above the series of abutment plates I33 is a corresponding series of levers I 34 pivoted on fixed rod I35, each lever carrying a three-armed member I36 pivoted thereon by screw I31. The series of levers I 34 are actuated against tension of individual springs I30 by corresponding cam projections I39 arranged helically around cam-sleeve I40. Two arms of each said three-armed member I36 extend substantially horizontal in opposite directions on either side of the pivot screw I31, and one or the other arm is adapted to be arrested on actuation of the corresponding lever I34, by a corresponding abutment on plate I33 according to the one or other longitudinal position of the permutation bar I3I. The further actuating movement of lever I34 thus positively rotates the three-armed member I36 in one or the other direction on pivot screw I31. The third arm of each member I36 extends in a vertical direction, and on each side respectively of the series of these vertical arms are two transverse bars I and I 42 fixed to end plates I43 and I44 which are pivoted on fixed rod I45 to form a single contact actuating member. Two transversely arranged stop pins I46 and I41 are arranged above the series of horizontally extending arms of the three-armed members I36. In the unactuated position of levers I34 the two horizontal arms of each member I36 are held against these stops clear of the abutment plates I33 so that the permutation bars I3I are free to be moved longitudinally to either selecting position. The distance between the two transverse bars I 4| and I42 of the single contact actuating member is proportioned to the distance through which the three-armed members I36 are moved from the I36 is preferably made slightly less than the distance between the abutments on the plates I 33 so that no possibility of a member I36 jamming on its two associated abutments can occur.

The signaling contacts are controlled in a manner similar in principle to that described with reference to Figs. 6 and I. In the present example the signaling contact blade I48 is pivoted freely at one end on fixed rod I45. One side of the upper end of the width of this spring blade I48 is cut away under a light locking lever I49 and the remaining portion of the upper end of the blade carries at its extremity two contact faces on opposite sides adapted to contact alter nately with opposite contact screws I50 respectively. The two contact faces on blade I48 may be substituted by a contact tongue fixed to but insulated from the blade. The short horizontal edge at the cut away portionoi blade I48 is formed as a knife-edge which is engageable on opposite sides thereof by a second knife-edge I53 fixed to the light locking lever I49 which at one end pivots or bends slightly on a fixed bracket I53, and at the other end bears on a notched cam I54 on the cam sleeve I40.

mechanism of the previous examples, and the series of cam projections I39 corresponds to the auxiliary cam means. The spring contact blade I48 is actuated by the single contact actuating member I 4I--I 44 through a U-shaped spring I55 controlled by two pins I56 fixed to the front end plate I43 of the contact actuating member. The ends of the U-shaped spring I55 are adapted to bear on opposite sides respectively of the contact spring blade I48 with a suitable initial pressure. When the contact actuating member is moved by cam-sleeve I 40 in either direction, as previously described, one of the two pins I56 moves a corresponding arm of the U-shaped spring I55 out of the path of movement of the contact blade I48 on one side. The other pin I56 leaves the other arm of the U-shaped spring I55 bearing on the contact blade I48 on the opposite side and moves out of the path of this arm of the U-shaped spring. When the notched cam I54 raises the locking lever I49, the U-shaped spring I55 snaps the contact blade over to the opposite contact screw I50.

Notched cam I54 is oriented relatively to the cyclically operable cam projections I39 in similar manner to that described for the preceding example, so that the contact blade I48 is momentarily unlocked at those positions of the camsleeve I40 at which the contact actuating member is held in one or the other extreme position. These brief unlocking'periods correspond to the junctions of successive signal elements, but the actual transit period of the contact blade is of less duration than that of the unlocking period of lever I49.

Start and stop signal elements of opposite character are effected in the arrangement shown by bent extensions I51 and I58 of the end plates I43 and I44 of the contact actuating member. These extensions I51 and I58 cooperate on opposite sides of the cam-sleeve I40 with the first and last cam projections I39 respectively for the central position in either direction. so that when The notched cam I54 corresponds in function to the main camseries of permutation bars I3I. The extension I51 for instance, co-operates with the cam track for the first permutation bar I3I but at a point equivalent to the angular spacing between two successive cam projections, ahead of that at which the single cam projection on this track actuates the first lever I34 in the series. The other extension I58, co-operates with the cam track for the fifth or last permutation. bar I3I so that the contact actuating member is moved I invariably in the opposite direction for the stop the method is also applicable in principle to the example shown in Figs. 6 and 7. In Fig. 9 a single lever I34 is indicated with the corresponding three-armed member I36 pivoted thereon, and a single abutment plate I33. The corresponding cam projection I39 of the auxiliary cam means isshown actuating the single contact actuating member I4I, I42, in the manner previously described. Instead of straining a spring to actuate the contact means at the next unlocking period, however, the member l4l, I42 in this case moves longitudinally a single further light abutment plate I90. This light abutment plate is operated in a direction at right angles to this longitudinal selecting movement by each sharp cam projection of the main cam means I54. According to the longitudinal position to which the light abutment plate I90 has been moved,.one or the other of two abutments thereon hits a corresponding projection on one or the other side of a fixed pivoting point of a contact lever I 92. This contact lever may be held on the one or other contact screw I93, I94 to which it has thus been actuated, by a'spring pressed jocket roller I 95, for instance. As in the previous example, the series of auxiliary cam projections I39 operate in timed and sequential relationship with the series of main cam projections I54. As in the two preceding examples, the signal elements are timed by the main cam means and are not affected by wear of the auxiliary cam operated mechanism which controls the selecting mechanism only.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11 the signaling mechanism above described is also here shown, but with certain parts removed for convenience in drawing or for clarity. The only difference in the parts so far described is that the abutment plates I33 are not fixed to the permutation bars I3l, but are independently supported on transverse guiding bars for longitudinal movement as before, and connectible to the series of permutation bars I 3I when desired for joint movement, co-operating with the series of cam projections I39 on the cam-sleeve I previously mentioned is also a corresponding series of tape feeler control levers I59, each lever independently movable on fixed pivot rod I60 and having three arms. One arm of each said lever I59 extends over the camsleeve I40 and co-operates with a corresponding tape feeler I6! and associated plunger I82. A second arm co-operates with a corresponding cam track on the sleeve I40, the cam projection of which track actuates the lever I59 against the tension of spring I63. The third arm carries at its extremity a spring latch I64 which engages with a slot I65 in the corresponding abutment plate I 33. Each feeler I6I comprises a light bent wire or rod freely pivoted at an intermediate point thereof on the upper extremity of the associated A plunger I62. The upper end of the feeler is adapted to enter a signal perforation in the tape (not shown) or be intercepted by a blank portion of the tape. The lower end of the feeler is bent substantially horizontal and is notched to serve as adJustable attachment points for a light individual spring I66 which tends to raise the corresponding feeler and plunger and to turn the feeler in a clockwise direction on its pivot point on plunger I62. Each plunger I62 consists of a flat strip slotted at the upper end-to accommodate the. pivoting point of the feeler end to form an engaging edge at the lower end of the slot for the first above mentioned arm of its associated lever I 69. This arm passes through the slot in plunger I62, a V-notch in the underside of the tip of the arm serving as a locating or retaining means. The lower end of each plunger strip is twisted to enable the strip to pass freely between adjacent pairs of levers I34 and members I36, and is located in a slot cut in a transversely arranged plate I61. This plate also serves as a retaining means for the abutment plates I33 while the permutation bars I3I are being latched to the abutment plates I33 in the circumstances hereinafter described. A pin I66 retains the plungers in the slots in plate I61. The lower extremity of each plunger I62 is bent sharply at right-angle and co-operates with a bent over lug portion I69 of the corresponding abutment plate 3. Fig. 12 shows a side view of these parts. When each lever I69 is actuated by its corresponding cam projection I39 the feeler I6I and plunger I62 are positively moved against the combined action of springs I63 and I66. The feeler I6I is thus moved from contact with the tape, and the abutment plate I63 is moved, to the left in the drawings, to an extreme position beyond the corresponding selecting position of the abutment plate. As the cam-sleeve I46 rotates, the lever I69 then returns under spring tension, the feeler I6I rises into contact with the tape and the abutment plate I33 moves towards the first selecting position. If the feeler is intercepted by blank tape, further vertical movement of the plunger I62 is prevented. In this position the bent over portion at the lower end of the plunger I62 is opposite lug I69 on abutment plate I33, and further movement of the lever I69 brings the lug I69 into ,engagement with the bent over tip of plunger I62. At this first selecting position the abutment plate I33 is arrested with the right-hand abutment under the extremity of the corresponding horizontal arm of member I36. During the further movement of lever I69 the horizontal arm of this lever rises freely in the slot in plunger I 62. If the feeler I6I enters a perforation in the tape the feeler and plunger continue to rise and the bent over lever tip of the plunger rises out of the position to arrest the lug I66 on abutment plate I33. The highest extreme position to which the feeler rises is conveniently limited by the engagement of the bent over tip of the plunger I62 with the underside of plate I61. The further movement of the lever I69 when abutment plate I33 is not arrested through lug I69, moves the abutment plate I33 to the second selecting position with the left hand abutment under the corresponding arm of three-armed member I36.

I46 to move the single contact actuating member I4I-I44 and during the time period in which the other signal elements are being transmitted. The springs I66 attached to the lower ends of the. feelers "I serve to draw the feeler and plunger vertically into contact with the tape, and also to restore the feeler to a vertical position with the tip engaging a guiding notch individual thereto in the tape platform I16 if this feeler is moved on its pivot on the top of plunger I62 by contact with the moving tape. The tape feed arrangements shown comprise ratchet wheel "I and tape spur wheel I12 both fixed to spindle I13, and a ratchet lever I14 pivoted on rod I66 actuated once during each revolution of the cam-sleeve I46 by a suitable cam I16 thereon. Further remarks on the tape feed arrangements will shortly be made herein.

To enable either the tape feeler mechanism, or the permutation bars I3I of the keyboard to control the signaling contact means changeover means are provided comprising chiefly a framework having two end plates connected by three cross-bars I16, I11 and I13 and pivots on rod' I19 to move between stops I36. For keyboard control the frameworkis manually actuated to and maintained firmly in the position shown in the drawings (by means not shown). In this position all the spring latches I64 on levers I69 are moved by bar I16 out of engagement with the slots I66 in abutment plates I33, and levers I63 are rotated out of engagement with the cam-sleeve I46. By the same movement of the framework, cam latches I6I pivoted on permutation bars I are moved by bar I13 into engagement with laterally extending lugs I62 on the abutment plates I33. Inclined cam faces on the latches I6I ensure mutual locking of each abutment plate and its permutation bar irrespective of the position of each plate and bar prior to the latching movement. As previously mentioned plate I69 serves to take the pressure of the framework during this latching movement. The opposite movement of the framework unlatches these pairs of members and leaves the levers I69 free to actuate the abutment plates I3I. The movement of the framework can readily be adapted to declutch the cam-sleeve so that this rotates continuously independently of the one-revolution means (not shown) employed with keyboard control. A tape pressure roller (also not shown) can also readily be raised or lowered by the same movements. The movement of the framework to put the keyboard into operative condition. as above described, also depresses the plungers I62 so that the bent over lower tips are below the level of the lugs I66 on the abutment plates I33 and out of operative relation with these parts.

If it is desired to utilise the arrangement shown, as a separate tape controlled transmitter, the framework and permutation bars together with their latches are omitted. In this case levers I 69 may be permanently linked to the abutment plates I33. Gearing of a proper ratio may be employed permanently in mesh between the cam-sleeve I46 and the tape feed spindle I13. When a combined keyboard and tape controlled transmitter is desired the ratchet means illustrated in Fig. 10 for the tape feed appears at present to be the most suitable method of ensuring sumolently correct synchronism between the tape feed movements and the signaling cam movements when the tape feed means is put into operative condition for tape controlled transmission. The tape feed amounts to one centrehole for each revolution of the cam-sleeve and this feeding movement may be efiected during transmission of the start and stop elements of each signal combination. In this case, as the tape is stationary during the permutation elements the series of guiding slots in platform I'III are arranged to guide the feeler tips to rise as nearly as possible in the centre positions of the respective perforations in the tape. This corresponds to a method long known of feeding such tape into correct relationship with a series of feelers. Alternatively the tape may be moved forward substantially continuous during transmission of a signal combination, by a snail cam on the cam-sleeve I40, for instance. In this case either the series of guiding slots in platform H0 is slightly inclined or staggered in a direction across the tape or the series of perforations for each signal combination are similarly inclined across the tape to compensate for the movement of the latter. This alternative method corresponds to the arrangement outlined with reference to Fig. l, where the tape is moved continuously by gearing. Whichever method is employed for the means described for tape controlled tr-ansmission in Fig. 11, it will be seen that three separate series of cam actuated operations are effected, all in timed and sequential relationship, to transmit each signal combination. In this example also all the cams for this purpose are movable integrally on a single cam sleeve.

Figs. 13 and 14 show an attachment for and modifications to the signal transmitting mechanism shown in Fig. 8, for signaling automatically a single series of signal combinations. The attachment comprises essentially the three following parts: (1) a rotatable code disc which oscillates the single contact actuating member of the signaling mechanism previously described, (2) coupling gears movable into and out of engagement with a driving pinion on the transmitter cam sleeve, and (3) change-over means operable together with said coupling gears to put either the normal keyboard control means or the automatic signaling means into operative relation with the contact mechanism. The keyboard controlled signal transmitter for the description of the present attachment is identical with that described with reference to Fig. 8 with the exception of the following two modifications: (1) a pinion 2 I 4 is fixed to and rotatable with the cam sleeve I40 of the signal transmitter,

and (2) the extremities of the permutation bars I3I together with abutment plates I32 under the cam actuated levers I 38 are supported vertically by a transverse bar 208 that is movable in a vertical plane to one or the other of two posi- This peripheral strip forms a continuous waved cam surface with the exception of a small notch 204 for the home or inoperative position of the disc 200. Concentric with the waved periphery of the disc a continuous circle of bullet nosed depression 205 for driving teeth are pressed from aromas one side of the disc, these depressions preferably corresponding in number to. the elemental code portions on the periphery and serving as locating points when pressing thesesuccessive code cam portions on the periphery. Inside this circle of driving depressions 205 and also concentric therewith are two cam nodes pressed from opposite sides respectively in successive order and spaced from the notch 204 for a purpose that will presently be described. Although the code disc described is thought to present novel detail features that will be referred to later, it is already known to provide a cam'disc having code cam portions on the periphery, as an attachment to a signal transmitter to actuate a common signaling contact means alternatively as required. The disc in the prior arrangement is also rotatable at a speed proportioned to the speed of the alternative control means. The present example is distinguished from this prior arrangement in that a main cam means rotates in timed and sequential relationship to the rotation of the code disc to effect a further control on the movements of the signaling contacts as selected or effected by the disc. A bellcrank lever, formed by a metal strip bent and welded together with a transverse bar 208 into a stifi framework having a vertical arm 209 and a broader horizontal arm 2I0, is pivoted on a rod 2. The vertical arm 20! carries a composite coupling gear and cam member, all together freely rotatable on pivot-screw 2I2. This composite coupling member comprises (a) a spur wheel 2I3 having a number of teeth double that of the pinion 2M on the transmitter cam sleeve I60 with which it co-operates, (b) a sprocket 2I5 having bullet nosed teeth to engage the corresponding depressions 205 pressed in the code disc 200. and (c) a central cam 2I6.having a concentric portion with two V-shaped notches 2III axially cut therein at diametrically opposite points. The number of teeth on the sprocket 2I5 is twice that of the full number of elements in a signal combination so that when the disc 200 is rotated from the transmitter cam sleeve I40 through the coupling gears the disc is moved one tooth for each signal element. The horizontal arm 2I0 of the bellcrank lever extends under. the ends of the permutation bars I3I of the keyboard that carry the abutment plates I33, and the transverse bar 200 supports these bars with the plates I33 as above mentioned. On a connecting portion 2I8 at the end of this horizontal arm 2I0 of the bellcrank lever, a small lug 2I9 is fixed, and adapted to latch the lever in one or the other position on either side respectively of a corresponding lug 220 on a latching detent 22I pivoted on rod 222 and actuated by spring 223 to the latching position. A spring blade 224 tends to turn the bellcrank lever in a contraclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 13 to move the spur wheel 2I3 out of engagement with pinion 2M. A control rod 225 actuates the bellcrank lever in the opposite or clockwise direction to engage the gears when required. This control rod 225, which may be actuated automatically or manually according to requirements, moves vertically downward to put the automatic signaling mechanism into operation, and then returns to its uppermost position. To unlatch the bellcrank lever before this is thus actuated to the operative position by the downward movement of control rod 225 a T-shaped unlatching member 226 is conveniently hooked by one horizontal arm to the upper inside edge of the connecting bar 2I0 at the. end of the horizontal arm 2I0 of the bellcrank lever,

to pivot thereon; the other horizontal arm of the T-shaped member 226 being engaged on the upper side by a crosspiece 221 on the control rod 225.

The vertical arm of the T-shaped member 226 then engages the inside surface of the connecting bar 218 of the lever and further movement of the control rod positively moves the bellcrank lever to the opposite position. The extreme end of the vertically depending arm of the T-shaped member 226 having now passed the extremity of the detent 221 this detent is now free to return and latch the bellcrank lever in theopposite position. The code disc 200 is coupled by this movement of the bellcrank lever to rotate with the cam sleeve 140 through the cougling gears. The clutch releasing detent 229 of the transmitter cam sleeve 140 is normally actuated by the universal bar 230 of the keyboard to effect one revolution of the cam sleeve for each depression of a keylever in the keyboard in any suitable known manner and not further here shown. In this example of the invention however, the lower end of the clutch releasing detent 229 is extended'horizontally and carries a vertical link 231 passing loosely through a lug 232 fixed to the horizontal arm 210 of the bellcrank lever and having a pin 233 engaging the underside of the lug 232, as seen in Fig. 15. The lug 232 on the arm 210 of the bellcrank lever only engages the releasing detent through pin 233 and link 231 to move this detent to release the clutch when the bellcrank lever is near the actuated position at which it is latched. Although for keyboard transmission the detent is automatically returned to re-arrest the clutch after one revolution it will be seen that for automatic signal transmission in the present example, the clutch cam sleeve 140, and code disc 200, will continue to rotate together, the code disc being driven from the cam sleeve. A light but stifl bar 234 having a narrow slot cut through a portion of its width near one end to engage both sides of the waved cam edge of the code disc 200, is pivoted at the other end 235 to the front end plate 143 of the single contact actuating member of the signal transmitter. The bar 234 is supported slidably in a slot in a fixed plate 236 near the code disc 200. When this disc is in the home position the bar moves freely in the notch 204 in the periphery of the disc when the contact actuating member is oscillated under control of the keyboard.

When the code disc is driven from the cam-sleeve 140, the cam waved periphery of the disc oscillates this contact actuating member instead.

To arrest the automatic signaling mechanism on completion of its series of operations and to hold the parts in the home position so that the coupling gears engage cleanly when control rod 223 actuates the bellcrank lever on pivot rod 2| 1, the following parts shown or indicated in the figures may be employed. A second bellcrank lever 231, shown dotted in Fig. 14 is pivoted on rod 2| I with a roller 239 mounted at the extremity of its vertical arm to co-operate with the two cam nodes 206, 201 previously mentioned. The horizontal arm of this second bellcrank lever 231 extends inside the framework of the horizontal arm 210 of the first bellcrank lever and is shaped at its tip to form an inclined cam surface (not shown). This cam surface engages a corresponding cam projection formed as a pin 239 fixed to a fiat spring blade 240 and projecting through a clearing hole 241 in the connecting bar 218 of the framework of the first bellcrank lever, in line with the inclined cam surface of the second bellcrank lever 231. The fiat spring blade 240 is riveted at one end to the said connecting bar 218 and normally lies fiat thereon with its free end clear of the edge of the latching detent 221. The first of the cam nodes 206, above mentioned, is pressed from the right hand side of the disc 200, as viewed in Fig. 13, to form a projection that engages roller 230 of the second lever 231. This actuates this lever so that the inclined cam surface strikes pin 239 during the last revolution of the signal transmitter cam sleeve 140,

when the code disc 200 has nearly completed one revolution. The latching detent 221 is thus disengaged from the lug 219 on the first bellcrank lever which then returns slightly by pressure of spring 224 and the latching detent 221 continues to be held in the unlatching position by the engagement of the square edged lugs 219, 220. The further movement of the first bellcrank lever is however prevented by the concentric cam surface 216 on the coupling gears resting against a shaped projection 242 fixed to a stiff spring 243. This projection and spring may for normal operation be regarded as fixed; the resiliency being only sufiicient to prevent breakage of any part if the coupling gears or latching means fail to operate correctly. This preliminary movement of the first bellcrank lever is sufficient however to enable the clutch releasing detent 229 to return to its unactuated position to re-arrest the clutch on completion of its revolution. The code disc 200 continues to be driven through the gears until the cam sleeve 140 is about to be re-arrested as above mentioned when one of the two V-shaped notches 211 in cam 216 moves into position opposite projection 242 on stifi spring 243. This permits the first bellcrank lever to complete its return movement to disengage the gears 213, 214 and restore the permutation bars to their normal position for keyboard operation when it is again relatched by detent 221. The roller 230 of the second lever 231 at the position where the code disc and coupling gears are arrested, falls into the second cam node 201 which as previously stated is pressed from the opposite side of the disc to the first cam node 206. The code disc is thus held in the home positionwith the bar 234 in notch 204 and disengaged from the waved edge of the disc; the coupling gears are held in a definite position by projection 242 and V notch 211 in cam 216; and the pinion 214 on the transmitter cam sleeve is held by the arrested clutch in a similar definite position. When control rod 225 is actuated, therefore, the gears enter cleanly into mesh and may be substantially fully meshed before the parts commence rotating.

With the arrangement as thus described, the

ating member by the said extensions I51, I58, the slight resiliency of the disc 200 permitting any small lack of synchronism or accuracy of construction. This arrangement also permits a clean entry of the leading edge of the notch 204 in the disc 200 into the slot in bar 234 when the code disc commences rotating for the start element of the first signal combination of automatic transmission. During the permutation elements of each signal combination effected by the code disc the levers I34 of the keyboard controlled mechanism are sequentially actuated by the cam projections I39 but as the permutation bars and abutment plates are unsupported at the operative position the three armed levers I36 remain loose on their respective pivot screws I31. As thus described it will be understood that the code disc and the transmitter cam sleeve rotate continuously during automatic signal transmission and are preferably arranged not to be momentarily arrested between successive signal combinations. The signal combinations are therefore continuous as in tape controlled transmission.

Fig. illustrates another example of an automatic signaling attachment, in this case arranged to operate either in conjunction with the combined keyboard and tape controlled signal transmitter shown in Figs. 10 and 11, or with the use of parts manufactured normally for this previously described apparatus. Various alternative arrangements are readily applicable in these circumstances. When a single series only of signal combinations is required to be provided for, the example illustrated in this Fig. 15 appears to present some advantages. The auxiliary cam means in this case sets in sequential order the abutment plates I 33 controlling the cam operated levers I34 of the signaling mechanism previously described. When a number of alternative groups of signal combinations are required to be provided for, in a keyboard controlled signal transmitter,

it may be preferable to arrange a number of such auxiliary cam means to co-operate alternatively, according to the group of signals desired, with the permutation bars of the keyboard. 7

In Fig. 15 the auxiliary cam means comprises a cam drum 250 formed of a number of discs corresponding to the series of permutation elements of a signal combination, each disc with its edge pressed over into a short cylindrical portion on which elemental cam projections are bent radially inward or outward, or left unbent. The short cylindrical portion of the discs, of which one is shown in Fig. 15, are divided, in this example into eight segmental portions by slots 25I, so that the cam drum is adapted to transmit a group of eight signal combinations. The leading edge of each segmental portion of each pressed disc is bent or left cylindrical as above mentioned, to form a guiding surface for a pin 252 fixed to an extension 253 of the abutment plate I33 corresponding to that disc. The abutment plates are slidable longitudinally as previously described in auxiliary supports 254, 255. According to the direction in which the leading edge of a segment on a disc has been bent the pin 252 ccacting with that disc is actuated from the inner cylindrical surface of the trailing portion of the preceding segment, to the outer surface of the segment considered, or from the outer to the inner cylindrical surface. When an abutment plate I33 is required to remain in the same position for similar elements in successive signal combinations, the succeeding segment on that disc is left unbent radially so that the pin 252 on the plate is maintained on the one or other cylindrical surface to which it has been guided. A sixth disc 255 having a similar bent over short cylindrical portion but with one cam depression only 256 pressed radially inward for a purpose presently to be described together with a ratchet wheel 251 having eight teeth 258, and the series of code pressed discs above described are mounted to form a single unit, for instance by clamping by a threaded nutx259 on shaft 260 by which the cam drum 250 rotates in fixed bearings (not shown). The series of six discs and ratchet wheel 251 are assembled for this purpose in correct relationship as afterwards described herein, and a pin 26I inserted in a hole drilled through the assembled drum serves to maintain this relationship. Tubular spacing pieces 262 are inserted between the discs in assembly so that the extensions 253 of the abutment plates I33 can pass freely between the edge of the bent over cylindrical portion of their discs and the backs of the respective adjacent discs. Fig. 16 shows another view of the cam drum assembly and extensions 253. The cam drum unit is rotated one tooth of ratchet wheel 251 by a snail cam I15 on the transmitter cam sleeve I60 through an actuating arm 263 having a spring detent 264 on its extremity. The snail cam I15 is the same cam referred to previously for feeding the tape in the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11 and the actuating arm 263 for the present example may be fixed to the tape feed arm I16 of this previous example and pivot on rod I60 in the same way. The angular distance through which the cam drum 250 is required to be moved by each step of notched wheel 251 is greater in the present example than the tape feed spindle I13 of the former example. The various parts are therefore proportioned approximately as shown in Fig. 15 to achieve this object. It is important to note for the purpose of illustrating the present invention that the snail cam I15 effects the actuating movement of arm 263 and cam drum 250 smoothly throughout the major portion of each revolution of the transmitter cam sleeve I60. The return movement of the arm 263 by spring tension is effected comparatively rapidly but no other function need be effected by this return movement.

The sixth disc 255, above mentioned, co-operates with a follower pin 265 fixed on the lower extremity of a shaped lever 266 pivoted at 261 and a spring 268 tends to turn thelever 266 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 15. A forked part 269 of this lever 266 extends towards and engages a tooth 210 pressed from the actuating arm 263 to hold this arm at or near the extreme actuated position when follower pin 265 has fallen into the depression 256 in the sixth disc 255. A vertically extending arm 21I of the shaped lever 266 is operable against tension of spring 268 by a control rod 212, to release tooth 210 on actuating arm 263. The clutch releasing detent 229 of the signal transmitter cam sleeve I40 may also be movable to the releasing position by the shaped lever 266 through a thrusting link 213 pivoted to the lever 266 near the follower pin 265. Each of the pressed discs co-operating with the abutment plates I33 has a clearing slot 214 out through the bent over cylindrical portion to permit the pin 252 of the associated abutment plate I33 to pass freely therethrough when the cam drum 250 has again reached the normal or home position. In this home position of the drum follower pin 265 on lever 266 falls into the depression 256 in the sixth disc 255 and the actuating arm 263 is held in the latched position. This permits the abutment plates to be operable by the keyboard or tape controlled mechanism in the manner pre-- viously described, when the automatic signaling means is out of operation. This change-over framework comprising the-end plates connected by cross bars I18, I11, I18, described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 and also indicated in Fig. 15, is preferably interconnected in any suitable manner with the present automatic signaling cam drum means, to actuate latches I8I and disconnect the permutation bars l3l from abutment plates I33 while cam drum 258 is in operation.

The signaling contacts are actuated for the start and stop elements of each signal combination by the extensions I51 and I58 on the single contact actuating member as previously described with reference to Figs. 8, 10 and 11, and the permutation elements are effected in succession according to the positions of the respective abutment plates at the periods when the corresponding levers I34 are actuated in succession by the cam sleeve I48. Each code disc of the cam drum for succeeding elements of a signal combination is therefore displaced relatively backward when assembling the drum and before the hole for pin 28! is drilled. By this means the abutment plates are selectively set in overlapping sequence throughout successive signal combinations and each plate is firmly held in the set position by the concentric portion of the corresponding segment of the discs in the drum when the associated lever I34 is actuated by the transmitter cam. sleeve. The segment on the disc for the first permutation element of the first signal combination may require, with the particular arrangement described, to be carefully bent to actuate the abutment plate to the required position for this first element with a smaller angular movement of the cam drum from the home position than for the remaining elements. The segment for the last permutation element of the last combination may also require to be set so that this signal element is correctly effected before the slot 214 for the home position of the drum finally moves into line with the pin 252 on the abutment plate.-

With these exceptions it will be seen that although the drum is rotated relatively slowly, the actual angular position of the drum relatively to the transmitter cam sleeve during rotation is not required to be very precise. The details of any interlocking or interlinking mechanism between the automatic signaling mechanism and the keyboard or tape controlled signal transmitter with which it co-operates, form no essential features of the present invention. The first feature it .is here desired to emphasize is that the cam drum effects a series of auxiliary operations for the elements of a signal combination in timed and sequential relationship to the operations effected by the transmitter cam sleeve. The transmitter cam sleeve itself effects separate series of main and auxiliary operations as in the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The second feature it is desired to emphasize is that the auxiliary cam means represented in this example by the cam drum 258 is rotated by ratchet means direct from the transmitter cam sleeve.

Figs. 17 and 18 show an example of the application of the principles of the invention to a cryptographic telegraph system, and apparatus. The apparatus is particularly adapted to operate in conjunction with a signal transmitting apparatus of the developed types shown in Figs. 6 to 11, although not necessarily limited thereto. As will be the driving shaft of the signal transmitting cam sleeve. A clutch 2" connected through splined member 285 to a driven shaft 282 extending between and supported by side plates 283, 284 is controlled by a releasing detent 288 to rotate the driven shaft 282 for half a revolution at each actuation of the releasing detent 288, in any suitable manner. The splined member 285 permits the shaft 282 to be moved in a longitudinal direction without affecting the relative angular positions of shaft 282 and clutch 281. On driven shaft 282, are fixed three light pinions 281, 288, 288, which pinions may be of fabricated construction as indicated by the end view in Fig. 18. Each pinion has a number of teeth twice that of the permutation elements in the signal code to be ciphered or deciphered. For the five unit code, each of these pinions therefore has ten teeth. Parallel to this driven shaft 282 is an intermediate shaft 288 (Fig. 18) having three idler pinions 28! (Fig. 18) each freely rotatable thereon to transfer motion from the pinions 281-8 on driven shaft 282 to a series of three circular metal code bands 282, 283, 284. Each code band is formed with a continuous row of driving teeth 285 (Fig. 18) pressed or rolled into a substantially strip portion 282A, 283A, 284A (Fig. 17) along the circumferential length of the band. These code bands may be prepared from long lengths of metal strip having the teeth 285 already initially formed therein, cut into lengths of desired integral numbers 'of driving teeth, bent into circular bands, and the ends welded or otherwise joined to form loops with teeth for meshing continuously with the idler pinions 28l. On one edge 2823-2843, of each of these bands elemental code cam portions 288 are pressed radially inward or outward forming a continuous waved cam surface. Each driving tooth 285 on the band serves as a locating point for the pressing operation to form each code portion 288. The one or other radial direction in which successive code portions 288 are pressed is entirely arbitrary for the present descriptive purposes, but similar code to set each band to an initial position. The bands are supported in an easily ,detachable manner in driving engagement with idler pinions 281 by a corresponding series of rollers 281, 288, 288 freely rotatable on shaft 388. This shaft is in turn supported by brackets 38!, 382 fixed to an outer tubular member 383 rotatable on an inner tubular member 384 which is rigidly fixed at one end by clamping ring 385 to side plate 382. The other side plate 284 is cut away near the free end of these tubular members 383, 384 to facilitate removal of the code bands 282284. A finger piece 388 attached to the outer tubular member 383 enables this member together with the brackets 38!, 382 shaft 388 and rollers 281-8 to be moved between two fixed stop positions, a bias spring 381 serving to hold the assembly in one or the other position. In one position, shown in full lines in the figures, the rollers 291-293 support and hold the code bands 292-293 in driving engagement. with the idler pinions 23l and for this purpose the rollers may be arranged to be slightly but stiflly resilient to avoid loose vertical movement of the bands. When the assembly is turned to the other position, shown dotted in Fig. 18, the bands can be removed. If the code cam portion 296 on .the'bands impede the removal of the bands, by engagement with the teeth of idler pinion 29! the bands may be manually rotated as later described to a position where a depression of code portions are pressed radially inward. A guiding fork consisting of a series of flared sheet metal arms 308 pivoting together on rod 309 is moved into and out of position to guide the code hands by a pin 3) fixed to the fork and sliding in a cam slot 3 in a flange portion 3l2 attached to the outer tubular member 303. When the code bands are in position, these three bands are simultaneously rotatable through five teeth consecutively, and consequently through five elemental cam portions, at each release of the clutch -28I by releasing detent 285. The detent 286 is actuated and controlled in 'a manner that will be referred to later in this specification, but the period of actuation of the detent is timed and the gearing ratio of the driving shaft 282 to the transmitted cam sleeve I30 driving means so that the five elemental cam portions of the three code discs are sequentially operable simultaneously with the five cam projections I39 of the transmitted cam sleeve I49.

The code cam portions 293 of each band oscillate a lever individual to each band, arranged substantially tangential to these bands to pivot on rod 3l3. Each cam lever comprises two arms, seen more clearly in Fig. 19. One a stiff fiat arm 3|5 is bent sharply in a direction parallel to shafts 230 and 390 at the position along the length of this arm 3l5 where it is tangential to the code band as above stated. A slot 3!! is cut in this bent-over extremity of arm 3l5 by which the waved cam edge 292B294B of the corresponding code band positively oscillates the lever cam rod '3l6. The second arm of each lever is a flat blade 3l8 flexible in one direction of movement only and firmly riveted to the first mentioned arm 3|5 near to the pivoting Point on rod 3| 6. At the free end this blade 3l8 carries a short rod 3l9 riveted to and extending beyond this free end of the blade. The first mentioned arm 3 I 5 is bent at a slight angle to theplane of the associated code band-towards rod 3l6. The second arm or blade .3l8 can then be freely bent to and fro from the free end in a horizontal direction parallel to rod 3l6 for a distance equal at least to the distance through which this free end of blade 319 is oscillated in a vertical direction by the associated code band. The short rod 3l9 at the free end of each said second arm or blade 3l8 is therefore independently movable in two directions mutually at right angles. These short rods 319 extend through clearing holes in a rigid bar 329 which is fixed to the two side plates 233, 284, in a position clear of the code bands. Each rod 3|9 carries a light roller 32l, 322, 323 and one end of a fiat link 324,325, 326 respectively both co-axially pivoting on their corresponding rod 3 l9. Equi-distantly arranged around the central, neutral, or unactuated position of each roller 32I-323 three bearing pivots 321, 328, 329 are fixed to the bar 329. One pivot 328, of each three of these bearing pivots is situated at a position verticallyover the said central position of its roller and the other two bearing pivots 321 and 329 horizontally on either side respectively of their corresponding roller. Each bearing pivot has a small bell-crank member movable thereon the arms of each group of three members being arranged around the roller. The arms 33!), 33I of the bellcrank member on the uppermost pivot 328 in each group are symmetrically shaped to co-act directly with the roller 32 |323. The two arms of each of the other two members are asymmetrically arranged, the lower arm 332 of each of these two members co-acting directly with the roller and the upper arm 333 bearing onthe outside of each arm 333, 33l respectively of the uppermost or first mentioned bellcrank member at points substantially midway between the bearing pivots. These bellcrank members may be constructed from bent metal strips welded or otherwise fixed to cylindrical pivot pieces. The cylindrical pivot piece of each uppermost bell-- crank member is continued and carries a short actuating arm 333 extending to a position substantially co-axial with the associated roller 32 323 when in the central or unactuated position. This arm 334 may also be of bent metal strip and at the free end of the arm accommodates a pivot 335 fixed to each fiat link 323-326 the other end of which is co-axially p voted with the roller as previously described of the next device in the series. These flat links 322-323 are arranged to be sufllciently rigid to transmit an point 336 on bar 329 of the first link 326 holds the roller 323 permanently-in the left hand position in the direction along the bar 329. This therefore holds or moves uppermost bellcrank member through its left hand arm 320 in the position shown, and therefore with the second link 325 connected, to the second roller 322 to the left hand position also. If the first code band 294 moves its associated roller 323 to the lower position, the lower arm 332 of the left hand, a symmetrical bellcrank member, is actuated by the roller 323 to reverse the position of the second link 325. This first device merely serves as a convenient means to translate the movements of the first roller 323 transversely to bar, 320 into longitudinal movements of the second link 325. The second roller 322, however, is now caused to occupy one or the other of two positions by the second link 325 as well as one or the other of two other positions by the second code band 293. In Fig. 17 the second code band has actuated its roller 322 to the lower position. This combined with the movement of the roller 322 to the left hand position by the second link 325 has actuated the third link 323 to the right hand position. This similarly has combined with the movement of the third roller 32l by its third band 292 to the lower position, to move a fourth or last link 331 to the left hand position. The code bands are arranged as previously described, to actuate their levers and rollers simultaneously for each'successive elemental cam portion. The

last or left hand link 331 is therefore moved positively from one to the other of two positions for each successively signal element of a group of five at each release of clutch 236, and each successive positionin which the line 331 is actuated is a resultant of all the actuating movements by the series of code bands. The numbers of elemental cam portions 296 in each band 292--294 are arranged so that a slow relative creeping motion of the bands is obtained in a similar manner to that already known for ciphering perforated tapes. With the three bands shown in the drawings having provision for M, 43, and 41 continuous cam portions respectively, for instance, a total number of 82,861 successive resultant movements of the final link are obtained before the cycle repeats. In the five unit code this is equivalent to 16,572 signal combinations. The bands may be readily removed and replaced by others having different arrangements of successive elemental cam portions by prearrangement with the distant receiving station. In addition, means is also shown in the drawings to permit thebands to be readily set or changed to a prearranged initial position. This means comprises a finger wheel 343 fixed to a square or splined shaft 3 rotatably mounted in the side plates 233, 234. On this shaft 34I and rotatable thereby is a pinion 342 slidable by a finger piece 343 guided by a further fixed shaft or bar 344 along the square shaft 34I to a position to mesh with any one of the idler pinions 29I. The driving shaft 232 and pinions 281-289 can 'be moved longitudinally to the position shown dotted in Fig. 17 by any suitable means (not shown), the splined member 235 connecting this shaft 232 and the clutch 236 as previously mentioned, permitting this longitudinal movement. This disconnects the driving pinions 231239 from the idler pinions 29I. The finger wheel 340 can then be employed to move any code band to any desired position, the identifying position for which can be located by the marks impressed on the cylindrical portion 2920-2940 of each band. against an index plate 344 (Fig. 18) for instance. When each band has been set to the agreed position the sliding pinion 342 can be moved out of engagement with the idler pinions 29I and the driving shaft 232 replaced in position with the driving pinions 231'-239 meshing with the idler pinions 29I.

The manner in which signal transmitting mechanism maybe modified to co-act with ciphering means as above described is indicated in Fig. 20. This figure shows a plan of a signaling cam sleeve and contact actuating members similar to those described with reference to Figs. 8 to 11, but modified for the above mentioned purpose. A single cam sleeve in this modified signal transmitting mechanism carries a separate cam projection 360 for the invariable start and stop elements of each signal combination. This projection 363 is arranged on the cam sleeve next to the notched cam I54. The single contact actuating member of the previous examples is also here formed of three separate but co-acting portions each independently pivoted on rod I45 (Figs. 8, 10 and 11) One of these portions 362 carries the two pins I56 alternately moving the arms of the U-shaped spring I55 as before. This first portion 362 also has two extensions 363, 364 operable by the start and stop cam projection 363 to actuate the signaling contact mechanism in opposite directions respectively at the proper time periods during rotation of the cam sleeve. The start and stop cam projection 366 and co-operating parts are proportioned so that this first portion 362 of the contact actuating member can be oscillated independently during the remaining period of rotation of the sleeve. The second portion 366 of the contact actuating member 5 carries the transverse bars I, I42 and is operable by the series of three-armed members I34 'for the permutation elements of a signal combination as before. This third portion comprises a lever 366, spring blade 361 and roller 333, similar in function to those of the devices in Figs. 17 and 18. In this case the lever 366 is oscillated on rod I45 by the above mentioned second portion 365 when coupled thereto as will presently be described. The roller 363 of this third portion is operable in 15 a direction parallel to the cam sleeve by a link 363 and through any other necessary connecting members by the final link 331 in Fig. 17. The three bellcrank members 313, 31I, 312'surround- .ing roller 363 are arranged to operate similarly 2 to those previously described but the middle member 313 in this case carries an actuating arm 313 extending towards and at its extremity playing between two extensions 314, 315 bent from the first portion 332 of the contact actuating member. This arm 313 and extensions 314, 315 are proportioned so that in the central or unactuated position of the arm 313 the first portion 362 is free to be oscillated for actuating the signal-.' ing contacts independently of am 313, but is moved in one direction or the other by this arm in either of its extreme positions in a manner that will now be understood. A manually operable coupling means having three alternative positions consists of a tubular piece 316 fixed 3 between the side plates 365 of the above described second portion. This tubular piece 316 accommodates a sliding bolt 311 having pointed or domed ends and a pin 319 projecting through a slot 319 in the tubular piece 316. Pin 313 is 4 engaged by a forked selecting member 336 that is manually operable as above mentioned. The ends of the bolt 311 are adapted to enter holes in the 1 adjacent side plates of the first and third portions 362 and 366 respectively, according to the one or other direction in which bolt 311 is moved by fork 330. The central or second portion 365 can 1 then be coupled to either the first or the third 1 part 362 or 366. In the central position of fork 366 the three portions are independently movable on pivot rod I45. If bolt 311 is moved to couple the first and second portions together, the signal transmitting contacts can be operated by the cam sleeve under control either of the keyboard or the perforated tape, as described with reference 55 to Figs. 10 and 11. If bolt 311 is moved to couple the second and third po rtions together, the first portion actuates the signaling contacts for the start and stop elements. The movements of the second portion according to the character of successive permutation elements of each unciphered signal combination, however, are mechanically combined by the roller device, 363313. With the resultant movement of final link 311 of the ciphering mechanism, to actuate the first 65 portion 362 after the invariable start element, according to the permutation'elements as thus ciphered. With bolt 311 in the central position, the code disc 290 of the code signaling attachment in Figs. 13 and 14 can be employed to oscil- 7 late the first portion 362 directly, as previously described. In this case it is not necessary to lower the abutment plates I33 out of the operative position.

The signals are deciphered at the distant signal 7; 

